
Nairobi Airport (NBO), officially Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, is a major transport hub and serves as Kenya’s primary airport. Renamed in 1978 to honour the country’s first Prime Minister and President, Jomo Kenyatta, the airport now facilitates connecting and direct flights from Nairobi to a network of destinations across Kenya, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. The airport is located just under 20km from Nairobi’s CBD and welcomes millions of passengers to the Kenyan capital every year. It’s also the main hub for the country’s flag carrier, Kenya Airways.

Air Arabia

Air India

Air Tanzania

British Airways

China Southern Airlines

Egyptair

Emirates

Ethiopian Airlines

Jambojet

Kenya Airways

Malawi Airlines

Precision Air

Qatar Airways

RwandAir

South African Airways

Turkish Airlines

Uganda Airlines
Flights to and from Nairobi Airport operate out of two main terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is divided up into 1A, 1B, 1C and 1E for international flights and 1D for domestic, while Terminal 2 is generally reserved for low-cost carriers. Make sure you confirm check-in times and terminals with your airline, as each may have different requirements, and allow for plenty of time at the airport before your flight. Keep in mind, it may be possible to check in for your flights online in advance via your airline’s website or app, which can be an easy way to save time at the airport on the day of travel.
Baggage allowances for flights departing Nairobi Airport will vary by airline and ticket class, so it’s important to confirm what’s included with your flight booking to avoid any surprises at bag drop. For more specific information on baggage limits, such as the size, weight and number of bags included in your airfare, check with your airline or ask your Travel Expert for assistance.
A wide range of facilities are available at Nairobi Airport for your comfort and convenience, including:
Looking for the best ways to travel between Nairobi Airport and the city centre? There are plenty of ground transportation options available.
Short and long-stay parking options are available for travellers driving to and from Nairobi Airport, with hourly and daily rates on offer.
Planning to explore Kenya at your own pace? Several car rental companies, including AVIS and Hertz, are available at Nairobi Airport. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave.
Taxi and rideshare services are available for travellers looking for a comfortable, efficient and reliable journey between Nairobi Airport and the city centre.
Airport shuttles and hotel transfers provide a good balance of convenience and affordability when travelling to or from Nairobi Airport. It’s worth organising this in advance, so ask your Travel Expert to help you book airport or hotel transfers today!
A public bus runs frequently from the airport to downtown Nairobi between 6am and 9pm. See the relevant transport website for up-to-date information on timetables and fares.
A free shuttle bus runs regularly between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Nairobi Airport, making it easy to transfer between terminals.
Aspire Lounge
Terminal 1B, near Gate 11
Open 24 hours daily
Kenya Airways Asante Lounge
Terminal 1C
Open 24 hours daily
Kenya Airways Pride Lounge
Terminal 2, Level 1
Opening times may vary, check with the airline directly
Kenya Airways Simba Lounge
Terminal 1A
Opening times may vary, check with the airline directly
Mara Lounge
Terminal 2, Level 1
Open 24 hours daily
Mount Kenya Lounge
Terminal 2, Level 1, Departures area
Open 24 hours daily
Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 1D, Level 2, near Gate 4
Open 24 hours daily
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Terminal 1E
Open 24 hours daily
As a busy international airport, a number of airlines service Nairobi Airport (NBO). Major carriers include Kenya Airways, South African Airways, British Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates. For a more complete list, see the page above.
As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at Nairobi Airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This should give you plenty of time to complete check-in, drop your bags and pass through any necessary security screenings before your boarding time. Keep in mind that you may experience longer lines and delays during busy travel periods, so check with the airport, airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times.
There are plenty of transport options available from Nairobi Airport to Nairobi’s CBD (and vice versa), including airport shuttles, taxi and rideshare transfers, rental cars and public transport services.
Yes, there are several lounges at Nairobi Airport, including the Aspire Lounge, three Kenya Airways lounges and the Turkish Airlines Lounge. Access to airport lounges may be possible depending on your ticket class, frequent flyer membership, credit card benefits or by purchasing a day pass. Check with the airline directly or talk to your Travel Expert for more information on how to access the lounges at Nairobi Airport.
If you’re looking for showers or a quiet space to relax while you wait for your flight, check the facilities, opening times and whether you’re able to access any of the lounges at Nairobi Airport. Ready to book accommodation for your trip to Kenya? Ask your Travel Expert to help you find the perfect airport hotel or city stay today!
You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible flights to or from Nairobi booked with us. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions.
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Check-in times and baggage rules for flights departing from Nairobi Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times and baggage limits, talk to your Travel Expert.
Flights to and from Nairobi Airport operate out of two main terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is divided up into 1A, 1B, 1C and 1E for international flights and 1D for domestic, while Terminal 2 is generally reserved for low-cost carriers. Check your flight booking information and boarding pass to confirm your departure or arrival terminal. A free shuttle bus runs regularly between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Nairobi Airport, making it easy to transfer between terminals if needed.
Yes, short-term and long-term parking rates are available at Nairobi Airport. Check with the airport directly for more information on your parking options and the current rates.
Family facilities may be limited at Nairobi Airport. For more information on planning the perfect family holiday, talk to your Travel Expert.
Keen to do a little retail therapy at the airport? A number of souvenir and retail stores are available for you to enjoy before your flight, including duty-free shops and dining options. Check the Nairobi Airport terminal map or website for an up-to-date list of stores and their opening information.
While last-minute sale fares to and from Nairobi Airport may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead, especially when booking international flights. As a rough guide, we recommend booking domestic flights three to six months in advance and international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds.
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